EntertainmentTheatre

Riverdance at the Liverpool Empire Review

Riverdance20Riverdance
20th Anniversary Tour
Liverpool Empire

28 October to 2 November 2014

www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

Reviewed by Debbie Tasker

It has been 20 years since Michael Flatley graced our screens during the Eurovision Song Contest staged in Dublin. I have witnessed the spectacle that is Riverdance many times since on TV but never live so I was more than excited to be attending the opening night at Liverpool Empire yesterday.

The show was mesmerising from start to finish and something I would willingly see again and again. A beautiful voice begins the show and slowly the superbly talented ensemble enters the stage and joins her, their feet in unison and pounding across the stage. The sound of the tapping is something you just can’t imagine you really have to witness it to appreciate how spell bounding it is coupled with the dancing, singing and musicians.

There are two acts and fourteen scenes each with fantastic variation. The show tells a story but to be honest I was so captivated by what I was seeing I didn’t pay much attention to the underlying script. My favourite scene by far was the 1950s American Jazz hand tappers having a dance off with the traditional Irish dancers. Michael Wood comes into his own with his solo baritone performance immediately before himself and Dewitt Fleming Jr are involved in the dance off. The Russian dancers bring their own expertise too in the art of dance the physicality of these performers wowed me and my young partner Lauren. Each and every dancer in all scenes deserves their place in this elite show and never put a foot wrong.

The musicians have much prominence. Drums, pipes, saxophone, percussion and fiddle provided an enchanting soundtrack along with the haunting voices of the faultless singers.

Lighting is brilliant and captures the atmosphere it aims for. The backdrop provides the perfect place to project stunning images and costumes are bright and beautiful.

We were literally blown away by what we saw last night. The stamina and talent of the Riverdance cast is outstanding. The passion they have for dance and music shines through.

Lauren (aged 9)
My three main points: I thought it was powerful dancing and singing, great choice of outfits and it is good that the musicians are on stage and not hidden.

A must see show for all ages.

Rating: 5/5 thumbs_up

Tickets cost from £33.40 to £48.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

Riverdance is at the Liverpool Empire until 2 November 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8713017.

Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017

5Star

Show More
Back to top button